“What Can I Eat?” Healthy Choices for American Indians and Alaska Natives with Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes nutrition education curriculum for Native communities
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"What Can I Eat?" Healthy Choices for American Indians and Alaska Natives with Type 2 Diabetes (WCIE AI/AN) is a diabetes nutrition education program culturally adapted for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) living with type 2 diabetes. It is endorsed by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
WCIE AI/AN is a 5-class, interactive, group-and theory-based nutrition education curriculum with a focus on traditional AI/AN foods and using the ADA diabetes plate for meal planning. It is based on social cognitive theory and specifically draws on concepts such as behavioral capacity, expectations, self-efficacy, and reciprocal determination. WCIE AI/AN includes ample opportunities for community-specific adaptations to honor the heterogeneity of AI/AN communities.
About the WCIE AI/AN curriculum
The curriculum includes 5 interactive, theory-based, diabetes nutrition education classes for AI/AN adults living with type 2 diabetes and their family members and/or support people. It consists of a scripted facilitator guide, a participant guide, and group share questions for each class.
Classes are ~90 minutes in length and offered weekly for 4 weeks, with the 5th and final ‘reunion’ class offered 2 months after class 4. This usually means it takes about three months to complete the full series of classes (classes #1 through #5). However, each facilitator can tailor the cadence of the classes to best meet their community needs. For example, classes can be offered every other week, which would take ~10 weeks to complete all the classes. The curriculum is an excellent addition to Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) programs.
Each class includes:
- Peer-to-peer learning opportunities
- Kinesthetic and arts-based nutrition education
- Physical activity
- Mindful nutrition activity
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Class Topics and Activities
| Class | Week | Class Topic | Nutrition Lesson and Hands-On Learning Activity | Physical Activity | Mindful Nutrition Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Class #1
| 1 | Introduction to Carb Foods and the Diabetes Plate |
| Group balloon challenge (cardiovascular) | Mindful breathing before making nutrition choices |
Class #2
| 2 | Sweet Foods and a Healthy Diabetes Diet |
| Resistance band strength training (strength) | Mindful visualization before making nutrition choices |
Class #3
| 3 | Planning Healthy Diabetes Meals |
| Walking (cardiovascular) | Mindful guided imagery to visualize healthy eating |
Class #4
| 4 | Fat, Salt, and Healthy Eating Away from Home |
| Body weight resistance and stretching (strength, flexibility) | Mindful walking to reduce autopilot nutrition decisions |
Class #5
| 12 | Review, Reunion, and Celebration |
| Dance train activity (cardiovascular) | Mindful guided eating activity |
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Access the Curriculum
The curriculum is available at no cost from the American Diabetes Association. Simply email [email protected] to receive access to the curriculum.